What is the difference between an actual contraction and a baby's kick ?

You will be able to tell. When are you due? Kicks, esp late in pregnancy are so obviously caused by the baby moving, and contractions feel like a firm muscle tightening pain. If in doubt, though, call your doctor!

You will be able to tell. The kicking can cause some pain, but it is not as intense and it does not happen every few minutes. Trust me, when you go into labor, the pain is intense and you will know. Do not let me scare you. The pain from childbirth is not something we women can not handle. We were designed to have children. Of course, anytime you have pains during pregnancy, you should let your doctor know. He knows the situation the best and the doc can tell you what is going on. Good luck and Congrats!!!

My wife & I had 2 children I knew when it was a contaction because she started yelling it was all my fault. HAHAHAHA. Other than that I can't offer any information about this topic. Sorry for the funny comment but I felt the urge to be funny at this moment. Seems like the few replies so far summed it up though in my eyes.

A contraction will start off with your stomach tightening. And yeah, they are completely different. But as well, you can have braxton hicks contractions which are fake ones. But they feel very similiar. Visit babycenter.com and they can give you REALLY good information on it. Congrats!!!

First off congratulations. This is my first pregnancy too and I am due April 1. I went to the doctor the other day and she actually asked me if I had been feeling any contractions....my response? I dunno! I had no idea. I can actually look at my belly and see my baby kicking now. But my OB/GYB said that if you feel your belly hardening a bit that is a contraction. She stated it is nothing to be alarmed about. And that you will definitely know when it is time. My belly hurts everywhere too. Especially at my ribs which my doctor also says it is normal. My doctor has me actually filling out a baby movement sheet where for an hour a day I have to concentrate on my baby's movements (whether she is just kicking or moving) and write down how many times during that hour she moved. It should be at least 4 times during the hour. If it isn't do it again for another 1-2 hours. That's how I gauge and my doc gauges how well the baby is right now. Ask you OB/GYN he/she will definitely be able to get more technical than I can with you.

You will notice the difference between a baby kicking or moving around and contractions. Braxton Hicks will start with practice contractions and you will feel a tightning around the stomach, but very irregular. Some Braxton Hicks can actually hurt! Real contractions will be stronger than Hicks and closer together, which don't go away, they are felt more stronger toward the pelvic region and sometimes lower back!